Suspicious parking outside media houses sparks concerns in Nepal

Media operations in Nepal faced disruption Monday morning when unidentified individuals deliberately parked vehicles in front of the gates of three prominent news organizations. The incidents, occurring around 7:15 a.m. in Tinkune and New Baneshwor, blocked access to Kantipur Media Group, Onlinekhabar, and Himalaya Television.

Security guards reported that drivers of the vehicles, described as black jeeps and cars, abandoned them after blocking entrances and exits. The vehicles remained for hours before being removed by cranes. The timing and coordinated nature of the acts have raised concerns about a deliberate attempt to disrupt newsroom operations.

“

He ignored my request, parked the car anyway and ran away.

One vehicle left at Kantipur's gate was identified as belonging to Rabi Jaiswal, a businessman and member of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party's Central Research and Documentation Department. Jaiswal acknowledged ownership but claimed a friend had borrowed the vehicle. The other vehicles were registered to Sunil Poudel and were reportedly with another individual named Sujan Poudel. The motive behind the suspicious parking remains unclear, and police have launched an investigation.

“

That is my vehicle. My friend borrowed it yesterday. His phone is switched off. I cannot come to collect the vehicle immediately.